Cheap Flights to La Romana from HK$363

If you're poorly prepared, air travel can be testing. But there's no need to hit the panic button just yet. Follow these handy tips and enjoy a trouble-free start to your time in La Romana. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• First things first, pack your passport, official ID, cash and daily medications. Next, you'll need some in-flight entertainment to while away the time. A juicy book and a tablet crammed with your favourite movies are always good options. If you intend to catch more than just forty winks, a quality neck pillow and a pair of earplugs will also be useful. Finally, make room for a few toiletry items so you'll hop off the plane feeling fresh and ready to go.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Pack all your full-sized bottles of shampoo and hair gel in your checked luggage. Any liquids or gels in your carry-on bag larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres) will be confiscated by authorities. Sharp or pointed objects, like a pocket knife, and dangerous goods which are flammable or explosive, such as flares, bleaching agents and strong acids, are also banned.

What to wear on a flight:

• The aisles of an airplane aren't the place for a fashion parade. Layer up with comfy clothing and opt for shoes that are closed-toe, flat and easy to pull on and off.
• Most travellers have heard about deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clot condition caused by long periods of sitting. To lessen your risk on board, drink plenty of water, consider wearing compression socks or tights and do gentle foot and leg exercises in your seat.

The trick is to be well organised before you arrive at security. That way, you'll be boarding that plane to La Romana in no time at all. Follow these tips and get your trip off to a spectacular start:

• Be sure to keep your travel documents and passport someplace easily accessible. They're the first items you'll be asked to present to security.
• Your belt, coat, keys and other small items, like your headphones, will need to go on a tray through the X-ray machine. Make the whole process faster by removing them as your turn draws near.
• For just a few moments, you'll need to unplug from technology. Your phone, tablet and any other electronic devices also need to be sent through the scanner.
• Any liquids or gels, such as perfume or hairspray, that you want to take on board must be no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres). Also, everything must fit inside a quart-size (one litre), zip-lock bag.
• Lightweight sneakers are a sensible footwear choice as you're less likely to be asked to remove them when going through security. Big boots and other heavy shoes are often subjected to additional screening.
• Pocket knives and other sharp items are not allowed on board. They'll be seized at security, so pack them safely away in your checked suitcase.